COMMUNITY UNITED IN GRIEF AND ANGER
A community united in grief and anger
By Suzanne Rodgers
IN shops and pubs all over Omagh yesterday, people crowded together in small groups, shaking their heads in disbelief.
Everyone knew of someone dead, missing or badly injured. But amid the grief there was anger, and a feeling of being let down by politicians, who promised peace but couldn't deliver.
Martin Duncan said: "This is what John Hume's support for Gerry Adams has given us - these bloody b------and their bombs. I voted Yes, against my conscience, in the referendum, now I am sorry I did."
Another Yes voter, Kay Brogan, said: "A lot of people who voted Yes are wondering now if they did the right thing."
William Breslin said: "They are big men - or so they think - these bombers. Words can't describe them. But somebody knows who they are, and if they have any conscience, they should turn them in."
Despite the anger, people were determined that the atrocity would not divide the community.
Ann McAleer said: "Omagh was never like that, and people won't let it change things now. All I have seen are Catholics and Protestants comforting each other.
In Donemana, home of 21 month-old victim Breda Devine, a group of teenagers said everybody was united in sympathy for the victims and their families.
By Suzanne Rodgers
IN shops and pubs all over Omagh yesterday, people crowded together in small groups, shaking their heads in disbelief.
Everyone knew of someone dead, missing or badly injured. But amid the grief there was anger, and a feeling of being let down by politicians, who promised peace but couldn't deliver.
Martin Duncan said: "This is what John Hume's support for Gerry Adams has given us - these bloody b------and their bombs. I voted Yes, against my conscience, in the referendum, now I am sorry I did."
Another Yes voter, Kay Brogan, said: "A lot of people who voted Yes are wondering now if they did the right thing."
William Breslin said: "They are big men - or so they think - these bombers. Words can't describe them. But somebody knows who they are, and if they have any conscience, they should turn them in."
Despite the anger, people were determined that the atrocity would not divide the community.
Ann McAleer said: "Omagh was never like that, and people won't let it change things now. All I have seen are Catholics and Protestants comforting each other.
In Donemana, home of 21 month-old victim Breda Devine, a group of teenagers said everybody was united in sympathy for the victims and their families.
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH
Ref: BT/0027
Published Date: 17-Aug-98
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